Tag: anthony hill

‘How does a German boy like you speak the King’s English so well?’
The child’s manner changed. Outraged, he drew himself to his full height, though he didn’t reach much above Tovell’s wasit, As the band wheezed to a halt, men nearest the door heard the boy exclaim, full of scorn:
‘I am not a German!…I am a Frenchman, monsieur. One of the glorious Allies. I’m one of you!’

As Australian airmen enjoy a sumptuous Christmas lunch in post war Germany in 1918, they are interrupted by the arrival of a small boy. Presuming he is one of the local children, they attempt to shoo him away, but are amazed to realise he is not German, but French. Henri, or ‘Young Digger’ as he comes to be called, has been living on his own or with various British squadrons since he was orphaned in France in 1915 and has somehow made his way to Germany. He is attracted to the Australian airmen by the smell of their food, and soon decides he will be happiest with them.

Whilst his story is sketchy, even his real name unclear, Young Digger is soon a much loved member of the Number 4 Squadron and, when they return to Australia he is determiend to go with them. The story of how he came to be adopted by air mechanic Tom Tovell and smuggled out of Germany, France and England before being welcomed into Australia is extraordinary.

Soldier Boy is a fictionalised account of Digger’s life and extraordinary journey. Previously published as a novel for children, this updated version is aimed at an adult audience. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in ar history, but also to those who like a heartwarming tale of love.

Nat still couldn’t believe it. Even after three days steaming down the river, he’d wake cramped in his blanket in the dank, narrow prow, thinking he was still on the farm. Only when he’d felt the boat nudging the bank where they’d tied up for the night, did Nat remember. It wasn’t Uncle Silas but a deckhand, Sloppy Joe, snoring beside him.

Nat has always dreamt of working on one of the river boats, but when his chance finally comes, he is surprised how easy it is. A desperate captain offers him work on the paddle steamer Lorelei and soon Nat is one of the crew. But Nat has a secret – he can’t swim. When the boat makes the return journey towing a barge in stormy conditions, Nat’s secret could put his life at risk.

River Boy is a historical novel for primary school readers, set on the Murray River in the 1870s. It is one of eight titles to date in the Making Tracks series from the National Museum of Australia Press, a series of stories inspired by objects from the Museum’s collection.